UPDATE: A51 in Chester reopens following an earlier van fire

Update: All lanes have been re-opened but the is slow traffic due to earlier van fire on A51 Boughton.

The eastbound carriageway between Waitrose and The Mount was closed due to the fire which happened around 10.45am.

A picture posted on Twitter by Chester Beer & Wine‏ [@ChesterBeerWine] shows the van well alight, fire crews wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the flames. 

Cheshire fire and rescue service say they were called at 10.45 a spokesperson said:

“Fire crews were called to Christleton Road, Chester, after a report of a van fire. On arrival crews found the van was well alight and crews, one wearing a breathing apparatus, used a hose reel jet to put out the fire. Whilst crews fought the fire the road was temporarily closed to traffic.”

One fire engine from Tarporley and one from Widnes attended.

Latest traffic report for the area states:

A51 Boughton Eastbound closed, queueing traffic due to van fire from the Waitrose to The Mount. While fire service attend to the scene. Incident is opposite St Paul’s Church.